Sénanque Abbey
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Sénanque Abbey - by Annett_Klingner from Pixabay
Description
The Sénanque Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque) is a Cistercian abbey founded in the mid-12th next to the village of Gordes in Provence. It was built in Romanesque style and comprised a church, cloister, chapter house, dormitory and a calefactory (heated communal space) to which a refectory was added in the XVII century. During the French Revolution, the Abbey's land and building were sold and then repurchased in 1854. The current community income stream is generating from lavender farming and tending honey bees. The visit includes the ancient dormitory, the cloister, the warming room and the chapter house. The church is currently closed because of the renovation works.
Access & Transport
The Abbey is 3km from the village of Gordes, 45km west of Avignon, 25km southeast of Carpentras, 30km north of Orange and 80km northwest of Aix-en-Provence. There are no public transport options.
Instructions & Recommendations
The abbey can be visited freely (using a a HistoPad tablet available in 10 languages) or with a guided tour only (in French only) that last 60mins. These takes place at 09:40, 10:00, 10:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30 and 17h00 except on Sundays when tours only take place in the afternoon.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. The admission fees contribute to the maintenance and restoration of the Abbey
Conclusion
The Sénanque Abbey is nice, interesting enough and makes for a pleasant walk / detour from the village of Gordes, but we would not suggest travellers to make a long drive there purposely.
Key positive
Photogenic building and setting
Key negative
Little ornementation inside the room makes the visit a little dull
Gift shop is a little too ... commercial
Suitability
Because of the stairs, the access for disabled persons is particularly difficult and impossible with a wheelchair. Suitable for all ages but children under 12yrs old may find it boring. No religious denomination restrictions.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h 15m
MONDAY09:30 - 11:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 11:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 11:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 11:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 11:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 11:00
SUNDAY -
MONDAY13:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY13:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY13:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY13:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY13:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY13:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY13:00 - 17:00